14th October 2013

I'm delighted with how we've started the 'winter' jumps season, the horses are running well, and we've got a couple more winners on the board in the last week.  Joanne One was very impressive on her debut over hurdles at Ffos Las yesterday, she jumped very well, and won going away by 9 lengths under Brendan Powell.  Its great to have Brendan back in action after he broke his arm in the summer.  I'd have thought we'll try to defy a penalty in another novice event before we begin to aim a bit higher, but the dreams is still in tact..... Wyfield Rose won the bumper at Towcester last week in taking fashion under a nice ride from Noel Fehily.  It was quite an emotional success as the syndicate was put together by James Laing (who masterminded our move to Folly House) but who unfortunately died of cancer before he could witness the mare running.  I was chuffed for Cherry and Nicholas Jones who bred Wyfield Rose, and I hope this is just the beginning for her as she could go for a listed bumper at Cheltenham at the Paddy Power meeting.

We almost added to our tally when Reves D'Amour was narrowly denied in the mares novice hurdle at Towcester on the same card.  She jumped very well and was just touched off by a mare with a touch more speed, but the pair pulled 15 lengths clear of the favourite, and I'd say our mare will come on for the run as well.  She could be very exciting for the season ahead, and might be the ideal sort for the mares final at Newbury in March.  Unfortunately there wasn't sufficient rain at Fontwell last week for Alanjou, who finished 4th, but will require a stiffer test to be seen at his best.  We'll give him a few weeks break in the field to strengthen up before we go again - but he should hold his own in juveniles over the winter months

Alanjou in action at Fontwell.